Fun Times for All 

by Linda Buchalo

Misericordia is a “happening place” and now even more so, thanks to the creation of the Resident Events department, led by Jordan Atkins with the assistance of Ken Gasch and Julia deGruchy. The team works alongside the Recreation and Leisure and the Pool and Fitness departments to promote participation in existing programs, increase exposure to various activities through large-scale on-campus events, and promote a sense of community within the greater Misericordia family. The result is increased program attendance, a greater focus on more diverse experiences, and more opportunities for families, staff, and residents to engage with each other and have fun.

Jordan, Ken, and Julia do a lot of brainstorming to plan new events. Suggestions come from within the department, but also from families, co-workers, and outside performers.

The team also devotes time to promoting the events. They communicate directly with the staff at the residences and post events in the weekly campus newsletter and Mis Biz. The team encourages families to volunteer and enjoy the activities with their loved ones. Volunteers help to escort residents to the venue, which is especially helpful for areas where residents have limited mobility. In every instance, at least one staff member accompanies residents from a given area. The presence of volunteers is a tremendous help and gives the events a community connection. Loyola University and other area schools have service work requirements and often send student volunteers. The interaction with these students adds to the fun for our family members.

If you’ve not already done so, consider answering the request for volunteers at an upcoming concert. Think of volunteering as a free ticket to a great show. It’s lots of fun and heartwarming to see our family members having such a great time.

The Resident Events team oversees three different types of events: recurring events, music concerts, and special events that focus on a variety of fun and interactive activities.

Recurring Events

Some events occur on a weekly, bimonthly, or monthly basis. Multi-media Music Bingo, directed by Ken, occurs every Thursday. Loyola Best Buddies occurs monthly on a Wednesday, and Sing-Along with Julia occurs twice a month on Fridays. Movie Night takes place twice a month on Sundays; this program concentrates on award-winning movies that are appropriate for the residents. 

The goal for 2026 is to add more regularly scheduled music and art programs and to expand popular events, such as Sing-Along, to a weekly on-campus event. Another 2026 goal is weekly dance classes, which started in January in the Moore Movement Room.

Music Concerts

It’s a well-known fact that music releases endorphins, which make us feel happy and energized. What better way to promote healing, reduce stress, and bring joy to the residents than to provide a variety of musical experiences?

Scheduled concerts bring musical entertainment directly to the campus approximately 2 or 3 times each month. While available to all residents, these performances are especially important for residents who are unable to attend performances within the community. The Resident Events team is committed to finding a variety of music performers so that residents can experience a multitude of music genres—Rock n’ Roll, Blues, Jazz, Bluegrass, Country, Broadway, Orchestral, and Classical music.

Some entertainers are legacy performers who have volunteered over the years; these include students from neighboring schools or bands who make an annual appearance. The department also has a budget to contract with talent outside of the volunteer scope. The team has developed a great relationship with the Old Town School of Folk Music, which provided the musicians for several recent concerts: Bear Williams Band (blues), Luciano Antonio (Brazilian music), and Nikki O’Neill (folk rock).

The McAuley Music & Art Series, which takes place in the McAuley Rotunda, began in October 2025. This program provides an opportunity for residents who may not be able to attend other events.

Special Events

Special events include one-time programs that are not music performances, such as dances, auto shows, and themed parties. Events in 2025 included the Misericordia Resident Fashion Show, a Model T car show, and an arts and crafts activity with volunteers from Mishkan Chicago.  Recently, the team hosted the St. Valentine’s Day Fashion and DJ Dance Party.

The team also shares their expertise with other events on campus, for example, collaboration with the SIBS group to facilitate activities for the SIBS Halloween Bash. 

Off campus, the team helped organize transporting residents to see a sensory version of the Evanston Symphony Orchestra. And over the summer, they assisted with a Chicago Sky basketball event at the Wintrust Center. Each of these events served 40 residents.

As the department expands, plans include bi-annual auto shows on campus, bi-annual fashion shows, and incorporating more volunteer-run activities for all areas on campus.

How lucky we are to have this energetic team who provide such exciting opportunities for residents! Thank you, Jordan, Ken, and Julia!